The Cleveland Browns are not making cornerback Denzel Ward available for trade despite dealing Myles Garrett on Monday, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Cleveland is not pursuing a fire sale, adds Fowler, who notes that the Browns sent Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams because of the trade value and their desire for a young, ascending pass-rusher. The team received Pro Bowler Jared Verse as part of the deal.
Ward is under contract through the 2027 season after signing a five-year, $100.5-million extension in 2022. He's scheduled to have a $30.8-million cap hit next season, and the club would save $17.4-million against its 2026 cap if it traded him, according to Over The Cap.
The 29-year-old suited up in 15 games last season, recording 39 tackles, nine passes defended, and one interception. He also allowed 32 receptions on 54 targets for 355 yards and an 89.7 passer rating in coverage, according to PFF.
Ward has earned five Pro Bowl nominations during his eight-year career, including one in each of the last three seasons. He's been with the Browns since they selected him fourth overall in the 2018 draft.
The Browns took the NFL world by storm Monday after dealing Garrett to the Rams for Verse and three draft picks, including a 2027 first-round selection. Cleveland will take on dead cap hits of $15.3-million in 2026 and $24.9-million in '27, but the team won't be on the hook for the remainder of Garrett's five-year, $178-million contract, according to Spotrac.
Cleveland now holds 11 selections in next year's draft.
